Dons skipper Jason Goodliffe is hoping it will be a case of history repeating itself when AFC Wimbledon get their Conference South season underway on August 9.

Despite only gaining promotion through the play-offs last season, the Dons are expected to feature prominently after a dramatic squad overhaul over the summer.

And Goodliffe insists a glance at the history books is enough cause for optimism.

Goodliffe said: "The expectation last year was to win promotion pretty much at all cost.

"It is not as high this year - but having said that in the dressing room we are confident we can do well.

"As previous teams like Hampton and Bromley have shown, teams that go up can do well again the next season.

"I wouldn't say we are going for top spot, but I see no reason why we can't be in the mix come the end of the season."

Goodliffe enjoyed a 45-minute run out as the Dons pushed League Two side Brentford all the way before slipping to a 2-1 defeat at the weekend, Jon Main grabbing the AFC goal.

And the skipper remains confident progress is being made.

He added: "It was a tight game - it helped us to see where we are and I don't think we were too far behind Brentford.

"At the moment we are trying out a lot of new things - some things are working, some things aren't and it's all about finding what people are suited to."

The Dons will continue their punishing pre-season schedule with a string of games on the road, before returning to Kingsmeadow to face Salisbury on Saturday.

Goodliffe added: "In terms of fitness levels we are quite happy where we are at.

"We are just trying to find our feet and adapt to a new way of playing - it is all about being ready for Newport County on August 9."